Amateur Radio Q Codes

International Q Code is an abbreviated way to exchange a great deal of
information with a simple code. Sometimes spelled as "qcode".

The Q Code consists of three-letter groups with each group having a
specific meaning. Each group begins with the letter Q. Auxiliary letter
groups or numbers are also used to help define the information that is
need or passed with certain Q Code three-letter groups.

The International Q Code can be arranged in three types of code groups
according to the second letter in the three-letter Q Code.

The Q Code comprises:

General Codes, second letter of which is R, S, T or U. (Some used
by Amateur Radio operators).

Presented in the table below are some common Q-Codes used by radio
amateurs. These codes were found on the inside cover of a 1965 ARRL
Amateur Radio Station Log Book. The ARRL is the
American Radio Relay League,
the American organisation that represents amateur radio operators.

Coloured Q Codes in the list below are the most
commonly used. A question is indicated by the use of the
question mark, "?", after the Q signal.

Signal

Question

Answer, Advice or Order

QRG

Will you indicate my exact frequency in kilocycles?

Your frequency is ... kc.

QRH

Does my frequency vary?

Your frequency varies.

QRI

How is the tone of my transmission?

The tone of your transmission is ...
1. Good. 2. Variable. 3. Bad.

QRJ

Are you receiving me badly? Are my signals weak?

I cannot receive you. Your signals are too weak.

QRK

What is the legibility of my signals (1 to 5)?

The legibility of your signals is ... (1 to 5).

QRL

Are you busy?

I am busy (or busy with...). Please do not interfere.

QRM

Are you being interfered with?

I am being interfered with.

QRN

Are you troubled by static?

I am troubled by static.

QRO

Must I increase power?

Increase power.

QRP

Must I decrease power?

Decrease power.

QRQ

Must I send faster?

Send faster ... (words per min.).

QRS

Must I send more slowly?

Transmit more slowly ... (w.p.m.).

QRT

Must I stop transmission?

Stop transmission.

QRU

Have you anything for me?

I have nothing for you.

QRV

Are you ready?

I am ready.

QRW

Must I advise ... that you are calling him on ... kc?

Please advise ... that I am calling him on ... kc.

QRX

When will you call again?

I will call you again at ... hours (on ... kc.).

QRZ

By whom am I being called?

You are being called by ...

QSA

What is the strength of my signals (1 to 5)?

The strength of your signals is ... (1 to 5).

QSB

Does the strength of my signals vary?

The strength of your signals varies.

QSD

Is my keying correct? Are my signals distinct?

Your keying is incorrect; your signals are bad.

QSG

Must I transmit ... telegrams (or one telegram) at a time?

Transmit ... telegrams (or one telegram) at a time.

QSK

Shall I continue the transmission of all my traffic?

I can hear you between my signals. Continue: I shall interrupt you if necessary.

QSL

Can you acknowledge receipt?

I am acknowledging receipt.

QSM

Shall I repeat the last telegram I sent you?

Repeat the last telegram you sent me.

QSO

Can you communicate with ... directly (or through...)?

I can communicate with ... direct (or through...).

QSP

Will you relay to ...?

I will relay to ... free of charge.

QSV

Shall I send a series of VVV...?

Send a series of VVV.

QSX

Will you listen for ... (call sign) on ... kcs?

I am listening for ... on ... kcs.

QSY

Shall I change to ... kilocycles without changing the type of wave?

Change to ... kc. without changing type of wave.

QSZ

Shall I send each word or group twice?

Send each word or group twice.

QTA

Shall I cancel nr ... as if it had not been sent?

Cancel nr ... as if it had not been sent.

QTB

Do you agree with my word count?

I do not agree with your word count; I shall repeat the first letter of each word and the first figure of each number.